We are in the process of buying our first camper. We are looking at a used "only 1 time" 2016 slx 264 with the bunk beds. We will be towing with a 2014 Nissan Armada. Question 1 how accurate is the 4700 empty weight? My max towing is 9100 with a tongue weight of 900. We also plan on driving cross country this summer. Any opinions on how the armada will handle the mountain passes? It's a 5.6 liter v8 5 speed, with a gear ratio of 3.357:1. I'll be using a pro series WDH that is included in the price of 11,000.00 #2 How will this size camper work with my TV? #3 Since I'm buying it used private party I would like a checklist of what to look for. I get to test all appliances, plumbing and stuff like that, but I'm sure there are things I'll forget about. #4 General thoughts on this camper for a family of 5. #6 How is this price?
The empty weight is pretty accurate for most trailers if you know what they are talking about. It is the weight of the trailer with no options and no water on board. If you have viewing ability, read the label for the actual trailer, it will give you a lot more accurate information than the brochure.
The Armada is a BEAST of an SUV. I would expect it can handle this trailer with no issue, but the main number you should focus on is the payload capacity. Everyone focuses on the max towing, but realistically you have to be able to carry the tongue weight plus the weight of everyone/everything you are going to load inside of that huge cargo hold. This number is easy to find on your door jamb stickers; it will say the maximum of all cargo and occupants cannot exceed x,xxx lbs. Add up your expected tongue weight (I usually take the ratio of the dry tongue/dry trailer, and apply that ratio to the max trailer weight to calculate the approximate max tongue weight), the weight of your occupants, and the weight of your expected gear inside the truck, and compare that the payload listed on YOUR vehicle.
$11k for a 2016? I would be ALL OVER that deal. Sounds like they are throwing in all of the extras they already purchased. Take what you can get, but I wouldn't push too hard for anything they don't want to give up. SWEEET!
I can't comment on how this camper will work with your family. That is a very individual thing. The best you can do is sit down in it and think it through. Don't just picture sunny days. Picture a crappy weather day; will everyone have enough space to keep out of each other's hair?
I would use the PDI checklist here on JOF, but as you state, this is a private sale. Keep in mind that the current owner, if they only used it once, has not yet found all of the initial quality issues on the TT. Initial quality issues are rampant in the industry. Personally, I am happier with a moderately used 3-4 year TT because I know the previous owner has probably taken care of all the IQI's and the aging issues have not yet started to rear their heads. Again, eyes wide open; you are buying a trailer and they are a constant maintenance item. Most of us who truly like the lifestyle, like it BECAUSE it is always challenging us with new and interesting items in all areas of maintenance. I am at my happiest when I am puttering or tinkering with our TT!
Welcome to JOF, and welcome to the lifestyle. I hope you find it as fulfilling and exciting as the rest of us!
